Emeril Lagasse: What in the World Is He Cooking Up Now?

Before the TV shows, celebrity guest appearances, cookbooks, restaurants, and “Bam,” there was a time when the celebrity chef we know today, Emeril Lagasse, was but a teenage drummer, baking bread in a Portuguese bakery in his hometown of Fall River, Massachusetts. Declining a full scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music, he took the first step to following his heart, marching to the beat of his own drum on a culinary journey that would lead him to stardom.

Upon earning a degree and honorary doctorate from the highly respected Johnson & Wales University, Lagasse traveled to France to refine his skills and master the techniques of classic French cuisine. Shortly after returning to the United States, he opened his first restaurant in the Big Easy, aptly called Emeril’s. Two years later, he launched his second restaurant; three years later, his third; three more years, his fourth …

Today, Emeril has essentially become a brand name gracing the labels of spices, cookbooks, TV shows, restaurants, cookware, and a host of assorted kitchen products. With the release of his 13th cookbook in May, the opening of Emeril’s Chop House in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (featuring a new green menu), and his new series on Planet Green, the Emeril empire thrives. But if you think he’s merely capitalizing on the green trend, think again. During a recent interview with the cooking king himself, the Post discovered just how down-to-earth this celebrity chef really is—and always has been.

SEP: Tell us about your newest show.

EL: Basically, Emeril Green takes place in a 60,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market in Fairfax, Virginia. We respond to folks who e-mail or write in about having an allergy, celiac disease, or diabetes. It could also be a food challenge like they have never cooked fish before, or they want to know more about organic products, grass-fed beef, or farm cooperatives.

SEP: Have you always been focused on green living?

EL: I’ve been farming organically for over 30 years. My family had a big farm outside of Fall River, so as a young boy, I was always connected to the soil. About 28 years ago, I started a farm cooperative in Mississippi, raising livestock, vegetables, and herbs for Emeril’s restaurant. I’ve been working for years with farmers and farmers’ markets and have been doing things organically since before people knew what the movement was. I’ve been green — I should say greener — for a long time.

SEP: How has the new show influenced your cooking?

EL: My style of cooking has been getting much cleaner. I’m using more grapeseed oil, a lot more canola oil; I’ve been very sensitive to sodium, and I’m reading the label more often.

SEP: Do you prefer gas or charcoal?

EL: I started using old-fashioned charcoal, then I went to gas. With gas, you get spoiled because you just go out, turn it on and “poof,” there you go. Lately, I’m using pressed charcoal that’s good for the environment. The heat is fantastic.

Emeril’s Five Tips & Tricks

1. If It Smells Like Fish, Choose Lamb
Fish should never smell like fish. It should smell like the sea, salt, or brine. To guarantee the freshest picks for seafood, meats, and vegetables, establish friendly relationships with your local fishmonger, butcher, and farmers.

2. Marinades Made Healthy
Using a low-sodium broth can reduce the sodium content by half. Also consider more herbs, and for a perfect marinade, use citrus — including the peel.

3. Master the Heat
It’s not necessary to crank the heat full blast. Have one side that is medium-heat and another side that is a little hotter. This allows you to switch back and forth to prevent food from charring.

4. Know When It’s Done
Even professionals have a hard time gauging when meat has reached the proper temperature. Always have a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This ensures your food is not only safe, but that it’s cooked properly.

5. Factor in the Weather
If it’s cold and windy outside, your grill may not get as hot as it normally does, and your food may take a little longer to cook. Trust your common sense (and your thermometer).